From Press Row:
Saturday, March 15, 2008, Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao took center stage at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada, with Pacquiao winning a split decision. Two of the judges split their scores of 115-112, while the third gave Pacquiao the decision with a 114-113 card. Suite 101 scored the fight a 114-114 draw.
Marquez Down in Round Three
The fight began cautiously with Marquez 48-4-1 (35 KOs) circling the heavy-handed Pacquiao 45-3-2 (34 KOs), but in the second round Marquez jolted Pacquiao with a perfectly timed counter right. Lest anyone think Marquez might get the better of the power punches, Pacquiao dropped Marquez in round three, leaving the stunned crowd wondering if he would get up from such a vicious shot. Get up he did.
Ever the clever boxer, Marquez began slinging left hooks to Pacquiao's right hip when referee Kenny Bayless was on the opposite side of Pacquiao. An infraction? Yes. But this wasn't ladies bunko night, folks.
Marquez Boxes through Middle Rounds
Marquez took control of the middle rounds by circling, jabbing and throwing combinations while Pacquiao seemed content to throw one-twos. An accidental headbutt in round seven opened a cut over Marquez's right eye that grew into a bloody gash by the end of the fight. A right hand from Marquez opened a cut on Pacquiao's left eye in round eight.
Seeing an obvious advantage in Pacquiao's blinking eye, Marquez opened up offensively, driving Pacquiao to the ropes with a wave of punches. A bomb from Pacquiao in round ten nearly dropped Marquez, but the champion fired back. The fighters exchanged punches until the bell to end the round.
Pacquiao Surges Ahead
Pacquiao surged late in the fight as Marquez's gaping left eyelid impaired his vision and Pacquiao's wicked left hand impaired Marquez's forward progress.
Knowing the fight was close, both men tried to take the final round with Marquez being successful on two of the judges cards.
Steven Luevano vs Terdsak Jandaeng
On the undercard, Steven Luevano retained his WBO featherweight title with a unanimous decision over Terdsak Jandaeng. The judges scores were 118-109, 119-109, and 119- 109 for Luevano. Luevano clearly out-boxed his opponent, though Jandaeng dropped him in round three.
David Diaz vs Ramon Mantano
David Diaz struggled early with a very tough Ramon Mantano, but his superior strength made the difference in the ten round lightweight bout. Scores of 97-93, 99-91, overruled a 95-95 mark, giving a split decision to Diaz.
Abner Mares vs Diosdado Gabi
Abner Mares retained his NABO bantamweight title by leveling Diosdado Gabi at 49 seconds of the first round.
 |
 |
 |
 |
